For many, the brisk chill of November first marks the beginning of the best season- holiday season. Full of snow, laughter, hot chocolate and warm family memories, and accompanied by gifts and irreplaceable time with family and friends. But the best part? The cheery music that lifts spirits, making people want to drop what they’re doing and dance around the room. To gain a wider perspective on the best songs for a chilly holiday night, MHS students were interviewed to hear what they thought really about Christmas music.
Music is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but which holiday’s music is the best? We asked some MHS students who do not celebrate Christmas how they felt about Christmas music being so much more popular than other holiday songs. Ari Kaye (’28) stated that it didn’t necessarily bother him, however it is clearly apparent to him that Christmas was preferred by most over a holiday like Hanukkah. Ryan Lassman (’27) agreed, adding that “It doesn’t bother me that Christmas songs are more popular than Hanukkah songs because Christianity is just a more popular religion…especially in America.”
Students who celebrate Christmas were also asked how they feel about Christmas music. Mia Wright (’28) said, “I like Christmas music because it makes me feel a different type of joy. The holidays are a great time to reflect on how grateful you are.” Wright also shared that Christmas is a truly special time for her and her family, and Christmas music helps bring her back to her favorite memories.
Christmas music is classic—hands down the most popular holiday music and definitely the most represented. And while the vast majority of people are enchanted by it, there are many MHS students who are not. The Christmas “season” is a different length for everyone, and Ben Snyder (’28) shared that “Christmas music gets played way too often…it’s supposed to be holiday songs, not season songs.” Many people wish that other holiday songs were more popular, since the media usually centers Christmas music as the sole tunes to snowy days, when in reality, the holidays are experienced differently by everyone.
While Christmas celebrations are undeniably incredible, MHS wants to celebrate as many cultures as possible. For members of other religions, the fact that Christmas music is so known can dull the shine of their holidays for them. “As a Hindu, I know how recognition can make a huge difference in appreciation for other cultures, as I’ve personally seen with Hindu holidays like Diwali and Holi,” said Aditi Nautiyal (’28). Being surrounded by red, green, sparkly lights and sleigh ride tunes, as a high school student, it is easy to feel like Christmas takes the spotlight away from other holidays. Although Christmas may appear like the main character of the winter season, there are so many ways to celebrate other favorite holidays and traditions.
As we come into winter break and many of us begin to get excited for the gifts, presents, and candy canes, it’s important to remember that every holiday is equally as important as Christmas. Whether it’s about celebrating old traditions or just enjoying each other’s company, each and every holiday means something important to every student at MHS and deserves recognition. Although there’s no doubt that Christmas music makes the most of the winter holiday season music, there are thousands of other songs out there for every holiday that deserve their moment.